PUP Senate hearing descends into screaming match

Geoff has been working for the QT since August 2011 covering Ipswich’s rural areas. He started working for APN in January 2010 with the Chinchilla News in western Queensland after growing up on a grain farm. Geoff spends his time out of work watching far too much sport following the Reds, the Broncos and various American teams.

"We're midway through a testimony, given to this committee, of what is meant to be an independent witness who had something to offer, we find out that they're a candidate for the Australian Labor Party," he said.

"This is an absolute sham. This is a complete sham."

However, Mr Martin said he wasn't acting as a Labor member and said his candidacy was a matter of public record.

Liberal senator Ian Macdonald objected to Mr Lazarus' chairing of the meeting, claiming he was biased against the Liberal representatives.

"With respect you were known as the brick with eyes. You've shown yourself to be a one eyed brick," he said.

Despite the drama Mr Lazarus said the inquest was going will and Ms Kearney and Mr Martin were able to express their concerns.

Mr Lazarus refused to answer questions from a Courier Mail journalist about the inquiry.

The testimony of Darling Downs anti-coal seam gas campaigner Heather Brown-Pascoe was held in private.